Cycling Courses Info from Sudbury Cycles
Posted on by General Admin
CYCLING COURSES
Cycling courses for the 2017 cycling season are currently being offered by the City of Greater Sudbury. A variety of courses are being offered in venues across the city.
For more info: https://www.greatersudbury.ca/living/leisure/activities/cycling/
To register, go to: http://greatersudbury.ca/register.
Consult the descriptions below for more information about specific courses offered.
SCHOOL BIKE SAFETY
Three formats are available for primary school workshops and are provided free by Can-bike certified instructors who are members of the Sudbury Cyclists Union. There are no maximum class sizes but for classes more than 15, teachers must be available to assist with the instruction if required. All formats teach the following skills:
- Importance of helmet use
- Proper helmet fit
- Appropriate and safe clothing
- Bicycle check and fit
- Required safety equipment
- Rules of the road
Bike Safety Rodeo
45 to 60 minutes - requires use of bikes
A Bike Safety Rodeo is a safety lesson conducted on a miniature chalk "street" with simulated road conditions where young cyclists will learn to apply the rules of the road. Participants receive instructions before practicing their new skills on their bicycle, and are guided by an instructor.
Bike Safety Lesson
30 to 45 minutes in classroom
The Bike Safety Lessons are an option for classes and schools that cannot accommodate on-bike activities. Students learn the same skills taught in the Bike Safety Rodeo through discussion and some hands-on activities.
To request a school safety workshop, please contact Sudbury Cycles by sending a message on our Contact Us page.
CAN-BIKE AND OTHER COURSES OFFERED BY THE CITY OF GREATER SUDBURY
Cycling Canada is the internationally recognized body responsible for the organization and promotion of cycling in Canada.
The Cycling Canada’s CAN-BIKE program is a series of courses on all aspects of cycling safely and enjoyably on the road.
Cycling Canada develops and supports the CAN-BIKE program through the Education Steering Committee and Education Standards Sub-Committee. These national bodies ensure that there are standardized materials and certificates, maintain records on all instructors and graduates taking advanced courses, and distribute an instructor newsletter.
For more information, see: CAN-BIKE Canada
On an annual basis, the City of Greater Sudbury offers the following CAN-BIKE courses, as well as shorter courses based on CAN-BIKE curriculum.
As of May 2017, Kids Learn to Ride courses are scheduled, but other courses are not yet online. To register, go to http://greatersudbury.ca/register
BEGINNER COURSES
Kids Learn to Ride
2 hours
Maximum 6 participants; 1 child per caregiver
Kids Learn to Ride is a course taught on grass for children to learn to bike on a two-wheeled bike without training wheels. A caregiver must accompany the child to support the child. The caregiver must be able to walk/run along with the child rider.
Requirements: A bicycle in good working condition, an approved helmet (CSA, Snell, or ASTM), and bell/horn are required. Ensure bicycle is the proper size for the child’s height. Bicycle seat must be must be low enough so that both feet can touch the ground while sitting on the seat and training wheels must be removed. If the bicycle is too large you will not be able to take the course. Shoes must be closed toe.
Skills taught: balance, pedal, start, stop, and steering.
Knowledge gained: correct helmet use, checking the bike before a ride (ABC Quick Check), clothing and carrying items, bike safety and security.
Ages: 5 yrs +
Note: While it is likely that the children will be able to ride their bike by the end of the class, caregivers will leave knowing an easy technique to help continue teaching these skills at home.
Resources provided: MTO Young Cyclist Guide
Adult Learn to Ride 1
3 hours
Maximum 10 participants
A course taught on grass for adults who wants to learn how to ride a bike and have no or limited experience.
Requirements: A bicycle in good working condition and an approved helmet (CSA, Snell, or ASTM), and bell/horn are required. Ensure bicycle is the proper size for your height. Bicycle seat must be must be low enough so that both feet can touch the ground while sitting on the seat. Shoes must be closed toe.
Skills taught: balance, pedal, start, stop, and steering.
Knowledge gained: correct helmet use, checking the bike before a ride (ABC Quick Check), clothing and carrying items, bike safety and security.
Ages: 14 yrs +
Resources provided: MTO Cyclist Guide
Adult Learn to Ride 2
3 hours
Maximum 10 participants
A course taught on pavement for adults who are too unsteady to ride on streets..
Requirements: A bicycle in good working condition and an approved helmet (CSA, Snell, or ASTM), and bell/horn are required. Ensure bicycle is the proper size for your height. Bicycle seat must be must be low enough so that both feet can touch the ground while sitting on the seat. Shoes must be closed toe.
Skills taught: balance, pedal, start, stop, steering, straight line riding, braking, riding with one hand, shoulder checks, signals, gearing. Knowledge gained: correct helmet use, checking the bike before a ride, clothing and carrying items, bike safety and security.
Ages: 14 yrs +
Resources provided: MTO Cyclist Guide
Note: Adult Learn to Ride 1 is not a prerequisite, but the adult needs to be able to actually ride the bike; may have ridden a long time ago and is now shaky on a bike, or only on trails before.
INTERMEDIATE COURSES
Street-Wise Cycling (ages 14+)
Street-Wise Cycling (ages 14+) for Women
Street-Wise Cycling for Kids (ages 9 - 12)
Street-Wise Cycling for Families (ages 9+)
The Street-Wise Cycling courses are offered in different options in order to address the comfort level of all bicycle riders ages 9+. Participants will learn all of the following cycling skills, but the course may be tailored in delivery to accommodate the age group and demographics.
4 hours; 2 hours theory, 2 hours practical
Maximum 8 participants
Street-Wise Cycling is an intermediate course for commuters and recreational cyclists who already ride on residential streets or bike paths. This course helps to develop skills and build confidence in riding in low traffic neighborhoods. Participants will learn about basic traffic dynamics, proper cycling equipment, effective and efficient cycling on residential streets, and basic bike maintenance and security.
Requirements: A bicycle in good working condition, an approved helmet (CSA, Snell, or ASTM), and bell/horn are required. Ensure bicycle is the proper size for your height. Shoes must be closed toe.
Objectives: Participants will learn about basic traffic dynamics, proper cycling equipment, group riding, effective and efficient cycling on residential streets, and basic bike maintenance and security.
Theory component: 2 hours
Classroom topics include where to ride on the road, positioning within lanes, lane choices, intersection positioning, residential and pedestrian-style left turns, how to cross railroad tracks, principles of traffic flow, and rules of the road.
Demonstrations include use of proper equipment including helmets, proper bike selection, bike fit and safety checks, use of cycling safety equipment, bike security, bike operation and bike parts. The course also covers basic bike maintenance, including a suggested toolkit for riding, parts lubrication, and how to deal with flats.
Parking lot skills practices: 1 hour
Participants will practice skills that include straight line riding, the shoulder check, signalling, dodging obstacles, the quick stop, slalom practice to develop turning skills, and proper gearing.
Group ride on residential streets: 1 hour
Participants will also participate in a group ride on residential streets. They will learn how to enter a roadway, proper lane positions, how to deal with parked cars, lane choices and changes, yielding and right of way, intersections, right and left turns and how to safely cross railway tracks.
Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate.
Resources provided: Street-Wise Student Handbook
ADVANCED COURSES
CAN-BIKE 2:
Defensive Cycling for Commuters and Recreational Cyclists
18 hours; 6 hour theory, minimum of 12 hours practical
Maximum 6 - 8 participants
CAN-BIKE 2 is an advanced course in defensive cycling for commuters and recreational cyclists who already ride in traffic and on multi-lane expressways. This course helps to reinforce and build skills and confidence in riding in challenging traffic situations.
Requirements: A bicycle in good working condition, an approved helmet (CSA, Snell, or ASTM), bell/horn, and lock are required. Ensure bicycle is the proper size for your height. Shoes must be closed toe.
Objectives: Participants will learn about basic and advanced traffic dynamics, proper cycling equipment, group riding, effective and efficient cycling in heavy traffic, basic bike maintenance and security, and collision avoidance techniques.
Theory component: 6 hours
Classroom topics include the traffic dynamics covered in CAN-BIKE 1: where to ride on the road, positioning within lanes, lane choices, intersection positioning, residential and pedestrian-style left turns, how to cross railroad tracks, and principles of traffic flow. It also includes more complex traffic situations, including multi-lane turning lanes on arterial roads, merges and diverges, and how to deal with high-traffic situations. Crashes and collisions studies and statistics, and touring theory is also covered.
Demonstrations include use of proper equipment including helmets, proper bike selection, bike fit and safety checks, use of cycling safety equipment, bike security, bike operation and bike parts. The course also covers basic bike maintenance, including a suggested toolkit for riding, parts lubrication, and how to deal with flats.
Parking lot skills practice and on-road riding: 12 hours
On-road practice teaches group riding skills, bike handling skills and proper techniques for riding on arterial roads. Participants will practice skills that include straight line riding, the shoulder check, signalling, dodging obstacles, the quick stop, slalom practice to develop turning skills, proper gearing, threshold breaking and instant turns.
Participants will also participate in group rides on residential streets and busy high-traffic roads. They will learn proper lane positioning, how to deal with parked cars, lane choices and changes, yielding and right of way, simple and complex intersections, right and left turns in single and multi-lane turning lanes, rotaries, diverges, unions, separations, multi-lanes and how to safely cross railway tracks.
Students will write an exam at the end of the course. Upon completion, participants will receive a CAN-BIKE certificate card.
Ages: 14+
Resources provided: CAN-BIKE 2 Student Handbook
Note: CAN-BIKE 2 is a prerequisite to taking the CAN-BIKE Instructor Course
Courses for Children
Bike Safety for Schools
Two formats are available for school workshops for primary schools. There are no maximum class sizes but for classes more than 15, teachers must be available to assist with the instruction if required. All formats teach the following skills:
- Importance of helmet use
- Proper helmet fit
- Appropriate and safe clothing
- Bicycle check and fit
- Required safety equipment
- Rules of the road
Bike Safety Rodeo
45 to 60 minutes - requires use of bikes
A Bike Safety Rodeo is a safety lesson conducted on a miniature "street" with simulated road conditions where young cyclists will learn to apply the rules of the road. Participants receive instructions before practicing their new skills on their bicycle, and are guided by an instructor.
For safety purposes, an asphalt or concrete surface must be used for bike rodeos.
Bike Safety Lesson
30 to 45 minutes in classroom
The Bike Safety Lessons are an option for classes and schools that cannot accommodate on-bike activities. Students learn the same skills taught in the Bike Safety Rodeo through discussion and some hands-on activities.
Bike Safety for Community Events
Bike Safety Rodeo
A Bike Safety Rodeo is a safety lesson conducted on a miniature "street" with simulated road conditions where young cyclists will learn to apply the rules of the road. Participants receive instructions before practicing their new skills on their bicycle, and are guided by an instructor and other community event volunteers.
For safety purposes, an asphalt or concrete surface must be used for bike rodeos.
The format and time is flexible depending on the requirement of the event.
Skills that are acquired include:
- Importance of helmet use
- Proper helmet fit
- Appropriate and safe clothing
- Bicycle check and fit
- Required safety equipment
- Rules of the road
Other bike rodeo options can be coordinated with the event organizers, and may include basic bike tuneups, prizes, refreshments and other options.
CAN-BIKE
Cycling Canada Cyclisme is the internationally recognized body responsible for the organization and promotion of cycling in Canada. Cycling Canada is the umbrella organization for provincial and territorial cycling federations or associations, who promote cycling for all bicycle users.
The Cycling Canada’s CAN-BIKE program is a series of courses on all aspects of cycling safely and enjoyably on the road.
Cycling Canada develops and supports the CAN-BIKE program through the Education Steering Committee and Education Standards Sub-Committee. These national bodies ensure that there are standardized materials and certificates, maintain records on all instructors and CAN-BIKE 2 graduates, and distribute an instructor newsletter.
For more information, see: CAN-BIKE Canada
In 2015, the City of Greater Sudbury will be offering the following CAN-BIKE courses for children:
Kids Learn to Ride - 5+ years old
2 hours
Maximum 6 participants
Kids Learn to Ride is a course for children (5 yrs +) who are ready to start riding a two-wheeled bike. Through a safe, easy and effective method, instructors help caregivers teach the kids to balance, pedal, start, stop, and steer a bicycle. While it is likely that the children will be able to ride their bike by the end of the class, caregivers will leave knowing an easy technique to help continue teaching these skills at home.
A theory component includes correct helmet use, an ABC Quick Check process to teach children how to check their bike before each ride, and basic rules of the road. The course is taught mainly on grass, but a component may be on-road once a child is riding without help.
Note: The caregiver must be able to walk along beside the child riding on the bicycle. Bicycles must be in good working order and the child should be able to rest his/her feet flat on the ground while sitting on the bicycle seat. Training wheels must be removed prior to the class start time.
StreetWise Cycling
For children 8-14 years old
4 hours; 2 hours theory, 2 hours practical (parking lot skills + residential road ride)
Details available soon.
Courses for Adults
CAN-BIKE
Cycling Canada Cyclisme is the internationally recognized body responsible for the organization and promotion of cycling in Canada. Cycling Canada is the umbrella organization for provincial and territorial cycling federations or associations, who promote cycling for all bicycle users.
The Cycling Canada’s CAN-BIKE program is a series of courses on all aspects of cycling safely and enjoyably on the road.
Cycling Canada develops and supports the CAN-BIKE program through the Education Steering Committee and Education Standards Sub-Committee. These national bodies ensure that there are standardized materials and certificates, maintain records on all instructors and CAN-BIKE 2 graduates, and distribute an instructor newsletter.
For more information, see: CAN-BIKE Canada
In 2015, the City of Greater Sudbury will be offering courses geared towards adults who cycle on residential streets and who want to learn advanced defensive cycling skills.
StreetWise Cycling
For adults, for women, for families
4 hours; 2 hours theory, 2 hours practical (parking lot skills + residential road ride)
Details available soon.
CAN-BIKE 2:
Defensive Cycling for Commuters and Recreational Cyclists
18 hours; 6 hour theory, minimum of 12 hours practical
Note: CAN-BIKE 1 is not a pre-requisite for CAN-BIKE 2
Maximum 6 - 8 participants
CAN-BIKE 2 is an advanced course in defensive cycling for commuters and recreational cyclists who already ride in traffic and on multi-lane expressways. Participants must be 14 years of age or older. The course helps to reinforce and build skills and confidence in riding in challenging traffic situations.
It is offered in a variety of formats totaling 18 hours, and includes classroom and on-road instruction.
Objectives: Participants will learn about basic and advanced traffic dynamics, proper cycling equipment, group riding, effective and efficient cycling in heavy traffic, basic bike maintenance and security, and collision avoidance techniques.
Classroom topics include the traffic dynamics covered in CAN-BIKE 1: where to ride on the road, positioning within lanes, lane choices, intersection positioning, residential and pedestrian-style left turns, how to cross railroad tracks, and principles of traffic flow. It also includes more complex traffic situations, including multi-lane turning lanes on arterial roads, merges and diverges, and how to deal with high-traffic situations. Crashes and collisions studies and statistics, and touring theory is also covered.
Demonstrations include use of proper equipment including helmets, proper bike selection, bike fit and safety checks, use of cycling safety equipment, bike security, bike operation and bike parts. The course also covers basic bike maintenance, including a suggested toolkit for riding, parts lubrication, and how to deal with flats.
On-road practice teaches group riding skills, bike handling skills and proper techniques for riding on arterial roads. Participants will practice skills that include straight line riding, the shoulder check, signalling, dodging obstacles, the quick stop, slalom practice to develop turning skills, proper gearing, threshold breaking and instant turns.
Participants will also participate in group rides on residential streets and busy high-traffic roads. They will learn proper lane positioning, how to deal with parked cars, lane choices and changes, yielding and right of way, simple and complex intersections, right and left turns in single and multi-lane turning lanes, rotaries, diverges, unions, separations, multi-lanes and how to safely cross railway tracks.
Students will write an exam at the end of the course. Upon completion, participants will receive a CAN-BIKE certificate card.